Ingredients:

  • 2 thick slices (1-inch) Brioche or Challah bread
  • 2 large pasture-raised eggs
  • 3 tbsp (42g) salted butter, softened
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • Butter for greasing

Instructions:

  1. Prep the bread. Using a 2.5 inch circular cutter, press a hole into the center of each 1 inch thick bread slice. Generously butter both sides of the bread and the cut out 'holes', ensuring the inner rim of the circle is coated. Note: Buttering the inner rim creates a seal that prevents the egg from leaking under the bread.
  2. Initial toast. Place a skillet over medium low heat. Add the bread and the cut out circles to the dry pan. Toast for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is a uniform golden brown.
  3. Perform the flip. Carefully flip both the bread slices and the toasted circles. The circles usually toast a bit faster, so keep an eye on them.
  4. Add the fat. Drop a small sliver of butter (from your 3 tbsp total) into the center of each hole. Let it melt and coat the bottom of the pan inside the circle.
  5. Add the eggs. Carefully crack one large egg into each hole. If a little white spills over, don't worry — it adds to the rustic look.
  6. Season immediately. Sprinkle the yolks with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder while they are still wet so the spices stick.
  7. The steam set. Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid for 2-3 minutes. Wait until the whites are opaque but the yolks still jiggle.
  8. Final garnish. Remove the lid and slide the bread onto plates. Dust with the smoked paprika and fresh chives. Serve immediately while the steam is still rising. The real magic happens during that covered phase. It’s like creating a tiny oven inside your skillet. While the bottom of the bread is getting one last bit of crispness against the pan, the top of the egg is being gently poached by the trapped steam. It's the only way to get that professional, clean egg look without flipping the whole thing and ruining the yolk. Egg Nog Cocktail: Classic Spiced Holiday Drink — Make the perfect Egg Nog Cocktail easily! This recipe blends creamy egg nog w...The Best Easy Chicken Piccata Recipe with Zesty Pan Sauce — Whip up this stunning Classic Chicken Piccata in just 30 minutes Our foolproo...Classic Veal Osso Buco Recipe with Bright Gremolata — Achieve melt in your mouth Osso Buco perfection This classic Veal Osso Buco r... $img_2$